MacGill stems Kiwis fightback

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NSW legspinner Stuart MacGill continued to trouble the New
Zealand batsmen as opener Mathew Sinclair tried to keep the
tourists on track at the SCG today.

MacGill (2-48) backed up his 4-57 in the first innings with the
only two wickets to fall in the NZ second innings by tea on the
third day of the four-day match.

The former Test bowler took both scalps within the space of five
balls, removing opener Mark Richardson (50) and Hamish Marshall (0)
to upset the Kiwis' momentum following a 110-run opening stand by
Richardson and Sinclair.

Richardson tried to smash him over midwicket after bringing up
his half century and was bowled while Marshall played too far away
from his body and Dominic Thornely took a diving catch.

It was another disappointing dismissal for Marshall who may be
in danger of being dropped for next week's opening Test in Brisbane
despite holding a Test average of 109.

The two-Test player was brought undone in the first innings by a
inswinging yorker from Brett Lee which left his stumps in a mess on
18.

The tourists were 2-143 in their second dig, a lead of 70 runs,
with Sinclair (61no) backing up his 88 with another controlled
performance while acting captain Scott Styris (16no) was also at
the crease.

Australian-born Sinclair, 29, looked reasonably comfortable in
his former homeland, backing up his 88 in his first dig with
another half century.

His time in the middle will be invaluable before the Brisbane
Test starting Thursday as he attempts to improve on his poor record
against the hosts.

Sinclair's overall record is 1294 runs at 39.21 in 23 Tests but
he's only managed 141 runs at 12.81 in six Tests against
Australia.

Lee (0-33) again made life difficult for the Kiwis with his
trademark yorker causing some fancy footwork from the tourists but
he was unable to manage a breakthrough despite often beating the
bat.